Synchronous spark timer

ABSTRACT

A test harness and spark electrode arrangement is provided for facilitating the timing of electrical ignition gas engines. A permanent magnet allows the electrode to be positioned anywhere on the engine block and is especially useful in conjunction with the flywheel or cam gear timing mark where the spark can be made to appear at only the correct timing interval.

United States Patent Inventor Daniel M. Goodnow Box 306F, Opel Road, Stone Haven, Rte. 1, Glen Burnie, Md. 21061 Appl. Nov 815,449 Filed Apr. 11, l969 Patented May 25, 1971 SYNCHRONOUS SPARK TIMER 3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 73/118, 324/17 Int. Cl G01m [5/00 Field of Search 73/1 18;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 926,976 7/ l 909 Brandow 324/17 2,230,025 l/l94l Carter 324/16(T)UX 2,837,713 6/ 1958 Schoenleber 324/ 1 6(T)UX Primary Examiner.lerry W. Myracle Attorney-Walter G. Finch ABSTRACT: A test harness and spark electrode arrangement is provided for facilitating the timing of electrical ignition gas engines. A permanent magnet allows the electrode to be positioned anywhere on the engine block and is especially useful in conjunction with the flywheel or cam gear timing mark where the spark can be made to appear at only the correct timing interval.

PATENTEU HAY25 ml FIG. I

INVENTOR Daniel M. 600d/70w BY mam ATTORNEY 'SYNCHRONOUS SPARK TIMER This invention relates generally to electrical testing devices,

devices give a visual indication. In some cases, the view is obstructed or the clearance for positioning the strobe light is inadequate. A further difficulty has beenthe fragility of such lights and consequent frequent breakage.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an ignition timer which is smaller but more effective than a strobe light.

Another object of this invention is to provide a spark tester electrode which can be positioned conveniently anywhere on the engine.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a strobe timer arrangement which indicates visually as well as aurally.

-And yet another object of this invention is to provide a shield for embracing a timing mark whereby an indication is present only at the correct timing point of adjustment.

Other objects and attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily apparent and understood from the detailed specification and single sheet of accompanying drawings in which: i

FIG. 1 is a view of the harness and gap arrangement of the ignition timer of this invention shown in relation to a timing pulley of an internal combustion engine and incorporating features of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional detail view of the electrode holder for the tester of FIG. 1 shown approximately full size; and

FIG. 3 is a detail view of the lower elements of FIG. 1 in side view showing the insulated timing mark shield which assures that only a correct setting is indicated by the spark.

Referring now to the details of the invention as shown in the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 10 indicates generally an insulated lead for attachment to the distributor of an internal combustion engine which is to be timed. Reference numeral 12 is essentially a continuation of the lead 10 for connection to the corresponding spark plug. Thus, these leads l0 and 12 may be used to temporarily replace an original spark Y justable horizontally with respect to the portion of the engine,

plug connector. From top 14 at the juncture of leads l0 and 12, the lead 10 continues in a third branch to connect with a two-way adjustable insulated electrode 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, this electrode 16 comprises a horizontal screw 18 which adjustably mounts a pointed vertical screw 20 at one end. The other end of the horizontal screw 18 is tapped into a terminal bushing 21 which terminates the lead 10 and is encased in a block of insulating material 23. A locknut 22 on the horizontal screw 18 abutting the end of bushing 21 serves to hold the desired horizontal extension desired.

In use, after replacing the number one spark plug to distributor lead with the free ends of leads l0 and 12, the electrode 16 is positioned as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 upon the engine structure adjacent the timing plate 24. For this purpose, the block of insulating material 23 has a magnetized base 26.

The vacuum advance of the engine should be disconnected at this time, the timing mark 32 is straddled on the clockwise and counterclockwise sides with adhesive insulation 30, such as discs of electricians tape or the like. For greater permanence an insulating paint or varnish may be used for this purpose, the vertical and horizontal adjustment screws 20 and 18 are then adjusted for about a 3/ 16-inch gap to the timing mark 32 on the surface of the crank shaft pulley or flywheel 28. The distributor is then loosened, and, with the engine running, rotated slowly until what appears to be a continuous spark extends to the timing mark 32. Additionally, this spark is accompanied by cracklingsounds so that direct visual observation is not required. The distributor is then locked in place and the vacuum advance is reconnected.

In situations where the electrode 16 extends considerably beyond the timing plate 24, the provision of a fiducial mark (not shown) on the insulator 23 or base 26 WIII permit a more accurate alignment with a desired degree indicia.

Other uses of the above-described lead harness and gap electrode is to observe the proper functioning of the other spark plugs and leads by the adequacy of spark to any portion of the engine.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

lclaim:

l. A test harness and spark electrode arrangement for facilitating the .timing of an electrical ignition gas engine having a distributor, spark plug, a crank shaft pulley with a timing marking in the surface thereof and a timing plate, comprising, an electrode including a pointed screw, means for mounting said electrode on a portion of said engine adjacent to said pulley and said timing plate, said electrode further including means for supporting said pointed screw for adjusting movement with respect to said timing marking on said pulley, and means for connecting said electrode to the distributor of said engine which is to be timed and to a corresponding spark plug, said supporting means extending horizontally from the portion of the engine on which the electrode is mounted and being adwith said pointed screw being mounted on said supporting means for vertical adjusting movement relative thereto.

2. A test harness and spark electrode arrangement as recited in claim 1, and means for locking said supporting means in a fixed position with respect to said portion of said engine after vertical adjustment of said pointed screw.

3. A test harness and spark electrode arrangement as recited in claim 1, and means for insulating said electrode including said supporting means and said pointed screw from said engine. 

1. A test harness and spark electrode arrangement for facilitating the timing of an electrical ignition gas engine having a distributor, spark plug, a crank shaft pulley with a timing marking in the surface thereof and a timing plate, comprising, an electrode including a pointed screw, means for mounting said electrode on a portion of said engine adjacent to said pulley and said timing plate, said electrode further including means for supporting said pointed screw for adjusting movement with respect to said timing marking on said pulley, and means for connecting said electrode to the distributor of said engine which is to be timed and to a corresponding spark plug, said supporting means extending horizontally from the portion of the engine on which the electrode is mounted and being adjustable horizontally with respect to the portion of the engine, with said pointed screw being mounted on said supporting means for vertical adjusting movement relative thereto.
 2. A test harness and spark electrode arrangement as recited in claim 1, and means for locking said supporting means in a fixed position with respect to said portion of said engine after vertical adjustment of said pointed screw.
 3. A test harness and spark electrode arrangement as recited in claim 1, and means for insulating said electrode including said supporting means and said pointed screw from said engine. 